Botulinum Toxin in the Oral and Maxillofacial Area

In this post, I’m going to talk about the use of botulinum toxin (BoNT) in cosmetic treatments within the oral and maxillofacial areas, based on a comprehensive review article by Sung Ok Hong from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kyung Hee University College of Dentistry. This is going to get a little more science-y, so if that’s your jam, read right ahead!

Today, we’re going to dive into the applications of BoNT in cosmetic treatments, focusing on its use in the oral and maxillofacial areas. You can find the full article discussed here.

Summary of the Article

The article by Sung Ok Hong offers a detailed narrative review on the cosmetic applications of BoNT, particularly focusing on its use in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Botulinum toxin, produced by Clostridium botulinum, is a powerful neurotoxin widely used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. It is the most popular cosmetic procedure globally, known for treating dynamic wrinkles and various muscular hyperactivities in the face.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Applications and Benefits:

2. BoNT is effective for treating dynamic wrinkles in areas such as the glabella, forehead, peri-orbital lines, and perioral rhytides.

3. It can also address excessive muscular contractions causing bulky masseters, cobblestone chins, gummy smiles, and depressed mouth corners.

4. Patients with hypertrophic submandibular and parotid glands can benefit aesthetically from BoNT injections.

   
   

2. Types of Botulinum Toxin:

• Several FDA-approved BoNTs are discussed, including obabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, incobotulinumtoxinA, and others.

• Novel BoNTs are also highlighted, showcasing the ongoing advancements in this field.

  
  

3. Injection Techniques and Points:

• The review provides a practical guide to optimal injection areas and effective doses, tailored separately for Asian and Caucasian populations.

• Injection techniques for various facial areas are illustrated, emphasizing the importance of precise targeting to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes and minimize complications.

4. History and Development:

• The historical development of BoNT use, from its discovery to its current applications, is outlined.

• The evolution of BoNT from a lethal toxin to a versatile therapeutic agent is chronicled, highlighting key milestones in its medical and cosmetic use.

5. Ultrasonography-Assisted Injections:

• The merits of using ultrasonography (US)-guided injections to enhance accuracy and safety are discussed.

• US-guided techniques allow for better visualization of anatomical structures, making procedures more predictable and effective.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin has revolutionized the field of cosmetic treatments, particularly in the oral and maxillofacial areas. This comprehensive review by Sung Ok Hong provides insights and guidelines for clinicians, ensuring safe and effective use of BoNT in various cosmetic applications.

As the demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures continues to grow, further research and consensus statements will be important in refining techniques and expanding the applications of BoNT. Future topics may include exploring the latest advancements in BoNT formulations, long-term effects of repeated treatments, and comparisons between different BoNT products.

Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on cosmetic treatments and the latest trends in aesthetic medicine!